Grecotel Lux Me Rhodos :: Escape To Good Living

Early this July, George and I along with our two children, took four days off to visit Rhodos (or Rhodes) in the Dodecanese Sea, home to some of the most beautiful Greek islands. It so happens that I have some very fond memories from Rhodos, for we visited this fascinating island as a newly-wed couple just over nine years ago.

So, I was overly joyed with the idea of visiting Rhodes once more to experience her uniqueness, rich in cultural heritage, while wandering around the best preserved Medieval town in Europe. That of course also meant that my expectations were higher than usual because I surely did not want anything to spoil the memories I made nine years ago. And so as I’m typing away these lines, I’m glad to say that everything turned out fabulous!

We landed at the airport of Rhodes on a late Thursday evening and headed straight for our hotel, which is about 12 km away, at Kallithea beach in the notorious area of Faliraki. Now, Rhodes has many large hotel units, but in all honesty many of them fail to please my aesthetic standards. (Some of them simply are too indifferent, others have a loud, in-your-face kind of aesthetic and the rest are way too dated).

So while in our taxi, I was really glad that I didn’t spot our hotel right off the main street. That is because the hotel’s entrance is somewhat off-track and moreover, our hotel was much more compact than the other gigantic – almost appalling – surrounding hotel units. Therefore, I was surely pleased and relieved at the same time, for I’m not a fan of large hotels.

Upon entering the lobby of Grecotel Lux Me Rhodos, a luxurious 4* hotel, I was delighted by the eclectic vibeof the lounge’s aesthetic that gave way to the centrally situated bar that was booming with life by socializing guests. The check in desk was to be discovered next for it was not situated by the entrance as expected, but then again a little twist isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Red faux leather and velvet, leopard prints, gold painted accent ceilings and columns were part of the somewhat eccentric, but definitely eye-catching exotic jungle theme that governed the lobby. Animal figurines of panthers, lizards, parrots and other exotic birds among brassy palm trees, further enhanced this anything but boring maximalist theme.

Large chinoiserie vases among traditional local ceramic decorative plates.

In one corner, olive oil produces in colorful cans and bottles, from Grecotel’s very own olive groves in Crete, created a vibrant, colorful background display for the local traditional handmade ceramic pottery, that were being showcased among large chinoiserie décor. The result was a distinct and colorful fusion of different clashing styles – totally inspiring and right up my aesthetic alley!

Things I Loved About Our Escapade to Grecotel Lux Me Rhodos

One of the first things I loved about this hotel is that it felt like a small village. To be exact: Grecotel Lux Me Rhodos is a seaside complex made of the central building, an annex, many bungalows, gazebos, recreational grounds (i.e. playground, outdoor theater, seaside bar, spa and gym) plus two outdoor pools and one indoor pool.

Grecotel Lux Me Rhodos after sunset…

Partial view of the large pool and outdoor dining spaces of Grecotel Lux Me Rhodos.

Now one of the outdoor pools (the older one) has two partitions – one of which has a very small depth, making it ideal for toddlers to play. My three and a half year old daughter can certainly attest to that. The other partition of that pool had two water slides at its one end for kids of all ages, including myself. However, the real gem of this complex is the newly built 1200 sq.m. pool that never feels too crowded and has totally upgraded this hotel’s grounds and overall facilities. (That’s where I had an aqua workout on Sunday morning). 😉

My daughter inside the baby pool

Under a gazebo by the main pool

The indoor pool

It is no secret that the hotel has been undergoing several renovation projects (including the new pool and the alteration of an old pool into an outdoor dining space). As a matter of fact, all the bungalows have also undergone a complete makeover, placing emphasis on a minimal, all white interior design with a pop of red to tie it in with the rest of the hotel’s theme. And I assure you, the outcome is very pleasing in terms of aesthetics. (Can’t help it if I always notice interiors, for you simply can’t take the designer out of me).

The master bedroom from the newly renovated bungalows.

The vanity at the bungalows.

But the rest of the hotel apartments (about 40 sq.m. each made of two rooms that can sleep up to four – ideal for a family) have only been partially renovated, for the time being. Some of these apartments had the rooms refurbished except of the bathroom that is scheduled for a renovation in due time; while other apartments have already a renovated bathroom (with a built-in shower as opposed to a bath-tub), but their rooms have not been refurbished yet. That way everyone who’s not staying in a bungalow, still gets to enjoy a partial apartment makeover.

The master room of our Lux Me apartment.

A marble sink and a fridge under the cabinetry ensured more flexibility in the Lux Me apartment we stayed.

Detail of a Japandi-styled pendant light over the marble sink.

My kid’s bedroom on the night we arrived.

Another refurbished master bedroom.

Partial view of a master bedroom that has not been refurbished yet.

One of the renovated bathrooms.

A renovated bathroom.

The second thing I loved about this hotel was the services including the food. We felt cordially welcome from the very first minute, something that should never been taken for granted in a large hotel. You could honestly tell the genuine effort that each of the staff members put in not because they had to, but because it was truly heartfelt.

From the Helios Buffet restaurant

The Juice Bar for the young kids during breakfast hours

The Olive restaurant for families with children of 12+ years of age.

View of the Greek style taverna

Brasserie & Patisserie

The M. Butterfuly Asian Restaurant

Now, the five different restaurants within the hotel’s grounds made it very easy for us to choose as we pleased. There was also a wine-tasting bar that we never got round to, but we surely visited the Greek style taverna and the gelateria – creperie that kept my children happy. I also loved the fact that the kitchen of the Helios Buffet restaurant was open to view, making you feel like you were always dining al fresco. I also liked the fact that just like in the other Grecotel in Kyllini we visited last September, there was a section allocated to local Greek cuisine.

…even the sunbeds had a red color!

Anthony Quinn’s beach

Other than the games in the pool and the great food, we also enjoyed the sandy beach with the red sunbeds and the water-sports hub. Perfect for us, they rented motor-boats too and so we seized the opportunity and sailed off for a dip in the emerald green waters at Anthony Quinn’s beach. That was one priceless swim!

Of course, this long weekend would not be complete if we didn’t do any sightseeing. Needless to say that the old town of Rhodes is always a challenge to explore. The crowded alleys with walking-by tourists and buzzing locals added on to the charm of this one of a kind town. The Venetian fortress, mosques, libraries, and ruins are all remnants of many different cultures and eras that stand proud creating an enchanting backdrop that still echoes moments of a past history… So be sure to watch next the video with all the highlights!

And to make a long story short, Rhodes is a beautiful island that offers lots of gratifying experiences. It’s a destination that is worth going that extra mile, especially if you know that you could be staying at a hotel like Grecotel Lux Me Rhodos that satisfied all of my family’s needs and desires. But more importantly their most honest smile with an impeccable service won us over from the very first minute. After all, it is nice and caring people that make the difference and not any super duper, state of the art, gadget filled room/facility/hotel.

Love and travel more, xo

This
post is in collaboration with Grecotel Lux Me Rhodos. All opinions and thoughts
expressed are 100% mine and are not subject to any negotiation.

How exciting!!! I have stayed in this hotel and I could not agree more with you. Service was excellent!!! Everybody was so polite and happy to help out. Would definitely visit again. Had a wonderful time.